If you‘re tired of giving the same old generic presents for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions, Uncommon Goods is here to refresh your gift-giving game. This online retailer curates an ever-changing collection of creative, thoughtful, and just plain fun gifts from independent makers around the world. From personalized art to quirky kitchen gadgets, Uncommon Goods has something for everyone on your list (yourself included).
What really sets Uncommon Goods apart, though, is their commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. As a certified B Corporation, they meet the highest standards of ethical sourcing, sustainable operations, and community giving. So when you shop with Uncommon Goods, you can feel good knowing your dollars support independent artists and important causes.
I‘ve purchased many unique treasures from Uncommon Goods over the years – for others and for my own home. In this in-depth review, I‘ll share my experiences with the brand and spotlight some of my favorite finds. Whether you‘re a first-time visitor or long-time customer, I hope this post helps you discover something wonderfully uncommon.
About Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods was founded in 1999 by Dave Bolotsky, a former Wall Street investment research manager with a passion for all things unique and creative. Bolotsky started the company in his Brooklyn apartment with the goal of connecting makers and their creations with appreciative customers.
Since then, Uncommon Goods has grown into a bustling online marketplace featuring thousands of products from hundreds of artists and small manufacturers. About half of their assortment is made by hand, most is created in the US, and one third incorporates recycled or upcycled materials. The company also develops some of their own exclusive designs in-house.
While Uncommon Goods has expanded significantly over the past two decades, they still operate according to Bolotsky‘s founding principles: embracing creativity and innovation, supporting independent makers, and having a positive impact on people and the planet.
Some of the concrete ways Uncommon Goods puts these values into practice include:
- Paying artists fairly and treating them as partners
- Using environmentally friendly packing materials and shipping methods
- Donating $1 to a non-profit partner with every order (totaling over $2.7M so far!)
- Providing healthcare and family-friendly benefits to all employees
- Offering an inclusive, welcoming workplace
In 2007, Uncommon Goods was proud to become one of the founding B Corporations. The B Corp certification recognizes companies that balance purpose with profit and meet high standards for their impact on workers, customers, community, and environment. Becoming a B Corp solidified the company‘s commitment to using business as a force for good.
From the artist studios where products are made to the warehouse where orders are packed, the Uncommon Goods team works hard to create and curate products that are both beautiful and meaningful. Now let‘s take a closer look at the delights that await when you browse their virtual shelves.
The Uncommon Goods Shopping Experience
Uncommon Goods truly lives up to its name with an eclectic product assortment that spans home decor, kitchen & bar, outdoor living, gadgets, jewelry, accessories, art, stationery, games & puzzles, and beyond. They also have robust sections for personalized gifts, handmade items, gifts under $50, and gifts segmented by recipient (him, her, kids, pets, etc.).
With so much to choose from, the site could easily feel overwhelming, but I find it very easy to navigate thanks to the clear category breakdowns and helpful search filters. You can filter by price range, occasion, age, interests, and more to zero in on the perfect present.
The "Gift Finder" tool is particularly handy when you have a certain person or event in mind but need some inspiration. Simply answer a few quick questions about your gift recipient/occasion and the finder will generate tailored recommendations. It‘s like having a personal shopper!
I also appreciate that Uncommon Goods provides detailed specs, materials & care info, and backstory for each product so you know exactly what you‘re getting. Maker spotlights and customer reviews provide additional context and credibility. Many items can be gift boxed or sent with a personalized message for a thoughtful finishing touch.
In terms of shipping, Uncommon Goods offers a range of options to get your goods to their destination safely and on time. Economy shipping starts at $4.95 and takes an estimated 5-8 business days. Faster options include Standard (3-5 days), Express (2-3 days) and Overnight (1-2 days) for an additional cost calculated based on your order size.
Uncommon Goods Perks members enjoy free standard shipping on all orders with an annual $19.90 membership fee. Perks members also get first dibs on new products and sales, $10 in credits, and double donations to charity partners. As a frequent shopper, I find the Perks benefits well worth the cost.
The company ships to all 50 US states, APO/FPO/DPO addresses, US territories, and over 100 countries worldwide. Canadian orders over $150 ship free. The site automatically calculates any additional duties and taxes for international orders at checkout.
Uncommon Goods offers a forever return policy for most items (30 days for personalized/custom products), no questions asked. You can make a return for any reason at any time for a full merchandise refund or exchange. The only cost is return shipping if you use the provided label.
In my experience, Uncommon Goods‘ customer service is consistently excellent whether I‘m contacting them about an order, return, or general question. The team is super friendly, responsive, and eager to help via phone, email, or live chat.
So now that you have a sense of how Uncommon Goods works, let‘s dive into the really fun part – the products! In the next section, I‘ll share my personal reviews and recommendations.
Uncommon Goods Product Reviews
One of my favorite things about Uncommon Goods is the sheer variety of unique items you can discover, from silly to sentimental and every niche interest in between. Here are a few greatest hits from my personal collection:
Personalized Family Portrait Mugs
I surprised my parents with a set of these adorable Custom Family Mugs, personalized with an illustration of them, their dog, and a mountain backdrop that‘s special to us. The artists‘ quirky-cute illustration style is spot-on based on the photos I uploaded. The mugs feel weighty and durable, and we love the cheery colors. Such a fun, heartfelt way to brighten up their morning coffee routine.
Mindfulness Card Set
I bought this Mindfulness Cards set as a treat for myself and it‘s become a cherished part of my self-care routine. The cards are divided into 5 categories – Rest & Balance, Curiosity & Joy, Insight & Awareness, Kindness, and Hope – each with inspiring prompts and mini-meditations to reflect on. The watercolor illustrations are beautiful and I love the textured linen box. It‘s amazing how a few mindful moments can shift my energy and perspective.
Kinetic Sand Table
My nephews aren‘t the only ones mesmerized by this swirling, sparkling Kinetic Sand Table – it captivates kids and grownups alike! The mesmerizing design draws sand through a series of dips, curves, and pools with a zen garden vibe. The kinetic sand feels amazing and never makes a mess. This is a playful accent piece that instantly sparks joy and doubles as a fidget toy.
Yoga Joes
These green army men doing yoga poses never fail to crack me up. The Yoga Joes come in a pack of 9 2-inch tall figures, each demonstrating a classic yoga posture from "yoga grenade" to warrior one. This clever juxtaposition of yoga and the military looks hilarious on a shelf, desk, or dashboard. They‘re durable and well-made – my set has survived several pose changes and tumbles. Namaste!
I could go on and on, but that gives you a taste of the surprises in store at Uncommon Goods. This is truly a treasure trove where you can snag something memorable for everyone on your list and discover delights you didn‘t know you needed.
While I‘m obviously a big fan, Uncommon Goods may not be for everyone. Let‘s consider some potential pros and cons:
Uncommon Goods Pros & Cons
Pros:
– Huge variety of creative, unique items for all ages & interests
– Supports independent artists, responsible sourcing, sustainable practices, and charitable causes
– High quality, durable, well-crafted products
– Excellent customer service & forever return policy
– Fun to browse for inspiration
Cons
– Prices are higher than mass retailers (but fair for handmade, exclusive items)
– Requires a bit more lead time for made-to-order/personalized items
– Some products are hit-or-miss in terms of function or recipient tastes
– Can be dangerous for your wallet if you fall into a gift-shopping rabbit hole!
Overall, I find the pros far outweigh the cons for gift shopping with Uncommon Goods, especially if you value creativity and like to champion small businesses. That said, they‘re not the only game in town when it comes to finding unique gifts.
How Does Uncommon Goods Compare to Other Gift Retailers?
Uncommon Goods occupies a special niche in the gift market, but they do have some noteworthy competitors. Other options for finding uncommon goods include:
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Etsy – Etsy is the biggest online marketplace for handmade and vintage goods from independent sellers worldwide. They offer more products and sellers than Uncommon Goods, but quality and service can be hit-or-miss since each shop is responsible for their own listings and orders. Uncommon Goods offers a more curated, vetted assortment and consistent experience.
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The Grommet – Like Uncommon Goods, The Grommet focuses on highlighting unique and innovative products, often from independent makers or small businesses. They lean more heavily toward gadgets, gear, and problem-solving products vs. Uncommon Goods‘ emphasis on art and design. Both are great for discovering under-the-radar finds.
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Makers markets & craft fairs – Of course, you can go straight to the source and shop from makers at local markets, fairs, and studio tours. This lets you see products in person and directly support your community‘s creative scene. Uncommon Goods makes it easier to shop indie goods year-round from the comfort of home, with buyer protections.
Ultimately, I appreciate Uncommon Goods for their distinctive combo of delightful goods, dependable service, and dedication to making a positive impact. But you really can‘t go wrong with any of these options for expanding your gifting horizons. It comes down to your personal priorities and tastes.
What Customers Are Saying About Uncommon Goods
Speaking of taste, let‘s see what other customers have to say about their Uncommon Goods experience. Here are a few highlights from the 5,000+ reviews on SiteJabber:
"This is my go-to place for all kinds of gifts because they have such unique items you won‘t see anywhere else! I love that they have such a variety of product types and everything ships quickly." – Cynthia C.
"After buying here for years I have received only extremely high quality products that have yet to disappoint. I love that I can support small businesses and these products are made worth such care and attention to detail." – Mike T.
"I buy lots of gifts from Uncommon Goods because they offer such cool, unique products. I always find something perfect for whoever I‘m shopping for, even hard to buy folks. Good quality. Sometimes they are a bit expensive, but the products are worth it." – Ashley R.
Of course, no business is immune to the occasional flop. A few critical reviews mention receiving broken or defective items, or disappointment with product size or quality compared to the listing. From what I‘ve seen, Uncommon Goods‘ customer service is pretty quick to respond and make things right even in those rare cases.
Uncommon Goods FAQs
By now I hope you have a solid sense of what Uncommon Goods is all about and whether they‘re a good fit for you. Before we wrap up, let‘s cover some frequently asked questions about shopping with the brand:
Q: How long does Uncommon Goods shipping take?
A: Uncommon Goods shipping times vary by item and the shipping method you choose. Made-to-order items may add to the estimated delivery time. In general, Economy shipping takes 4-8 business days, Standard takes 3-5 days, Express takes 2-3 days, and Overnight takes 1-2 days.
Q: Where is Uncommon Goods located?
A: Uncommon Goods‘ headquarters and main warehouse are located in Brooklyn, New York. They also have warehouses in Nevada and the Netherlands to serve different regions.
Q: Does Uncommon Goods have any discounts or promo codes?
A: Uncommon Goods occasionally offers seasonal discounts to email subscribers and social media followers, but they don‘t typically have coupon codes floating around the internet. The best way to save is to shop their sale section, sign up for emails, or join the Uncommon Perks loyalty program for free shipping and special offers.
Q: Can I cancel an order with Uncommon Goods?
A: Uncommon Goods processes orders quickly, so it‘s best to contact them ASAP if you need to cancel – ideally within an hour of placing your order. Once an order has shipped, your option is to make a return when you receive the items. Custom orders can only be canceled before the creation process begins.
Q: Does Uncommon Goods offer gift certificates?
A: Yes! You can send a digital Uncommon Goods gift card by email or print one at home. Choose any amount between $5-$10,000 and customize your gift card with an image and message. Gift cards never expire and can be redeemed on the Uncommon Goods website or by phone.
Uncommon Goods Review: The Final Verdict
In a world of generic, mass-produced stuff, Uncommon Goods is a refreshing destination for unique gifts that inspire and delight. I love knowing my dollars support emerging artists and a company that‘s dedicated to making the world a bit brighter.
Yes, you may spend a bit more for these handcrafted, small-batch finds, but that‘s part of what makes them special. And with such a wide variety of items for every person, purpose, and budget, you‘re bound to discover some gems that are well worth the price.
If you‘re ready to step up your gifting game or treat yourself to something wonderfully uncommon, I highly recommend checking out Uncommon Goods. But be warned – you may find yourself coming back again and again to explore their ever-changing collection of curiosities. Don‘t say I didn‘t warn you!
I hope this Uncommon Goods review has given you some helpful insights and shopping inspiration. Do you have any favorite finds or gifting go-to‘s from this creative collective? Let me know in the comments. Happy uncommon shopping!
